Iran has denied claims of supporting the Houthi rebels after U.S. airstrikes targeted Houthi positions in Yemen, which were ordered by President Trump. Casualties from the airstrikes included women and children. The Houthis had previously threatened maritime security, and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard leader dismissed allegations of Iranian involvement in their operational strategies. The U.S. conducted these airstrikes exclusively, marking a significant point under President Trump’s administration.
Iran firmly rejected allegations of providing support to Yemen’s Houthi rebels following a series of U.S. airstrikes targeting rebel-held territories. President Donald Trump stated that he had ordered these strikes on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and vowed to employ “overwhelming lethal force” until the Houthis ceased their aggressive activities against maritime shipping routes. On the day of the airstrikes, Sanaa displayed plumes of smoke as reports emerged of fatal casualties resulting from the attacks.
The Health Ministry run by the Houthis reported that the airstrikes claimed the lives of at least 31 individuals, including women and children, while injuring over 100 others. They alleged that one of the strikes particularly struck two residences in Saada province, leading to the tragic deaths of four children and a woman. Graphic images of deceased victims were broadcast by the rebel-operated Al-Masirah TV.
Previously, the Houthis had threatened maritime security by targeting international vessels in the Red Sea and launching missiles at Israel, positioning their actions as support for Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Their attacks subsided temporarily following a ceasefire in January 2025, but renewed threats emerged in light of Israel’s recent aid blockade to Gaza.
The United States has long accused Iran of supplying military assistance to the Houthis, with U.S. Navy operations uncovering Iranian-made weaponry intended for the militant group. General Hossein Salami, commander of the Revolutionary Guard, denied these allegations, stating that Iran does not influence the operational decisions of allied militant factions throughout the region.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged the U.S. to discontinue its military actions and asserted that Washington lacks the authority to dictate Iran’s foreign policy. The recent airstrikes are particularly notable as they coincide with the Houthis’ announcement of plans to recommence attacks against Israeli vessels, which had been momentarily halted.
The historical context reveals that prior to this operation, the U.S., Israel, and Britain had conducted airstrikes against Houthi positions; however, this operation was exclusively executed by the U.S. It marks the initial military action against the Houthis in the current Trump administration.
The situation remains fluid, and international reactions are likely as diplomatic efforts may arise from emerging tensions over these developments.
In summary, Iran has categorically denied allegations of aiding the Houthi rebels following significant U.S. airstrikes in Yemen. President Trump’s commitment to utilizing aggressive military force against the Houthis underscores the ongoing conflict centered around maritime security and regional stability. The humanitarian impact of the strikes, including reported civilian casualties, further complicates the situation as diplomatic negotiations may become essential in addressing these tensions and achieving peace.
Original Source: apnews.com
